Vernon Kay: Everything you need to know about the I’m a Celebrity star

Kay has proved a hit with fans in the ITV reality show’s latest series

I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here! is approaching its conclusion on ITV, having been relocated from the Australian jungle to Gwrych Castle in Wales amid the coronavirus pandemic.

Among the 2020 line-up is TV presenter Vernon Kay, who is married to Strictly Come Dancing co-host Tess Daly. 

Kay, 46, started his career as a model before turning to TV, hosting T4 on Channel 4 from 2000.

He is perhaps best known for his work on ITV, presenting shows such as All Star Family Fortunes, Splash and Beat the Star. 

Kay also has a cameo in 2004 cult horror-comedy Shaun of the Dead, and is seen presenting on T4 while Shaun (Simon Pegg) flicks through the TV channels during the zombie takeover.

Read more: How much are this year’s I’m a Celebrity contestants being paid?

Vernon presented his own Radio 1 show between 2004 and 2012. From 2015 until 2017 he fronted another radio programme on Radio X. Most recently Vernon has been presenting Formula E motor racing.

Last week on I’m a Celebrity, Kay faced the Bushtucker trial Frights of the Round Table with Jordan North and Beverley Callard. 

I’m a Celebrity’s Vernon Kay (ITV)

Kay also sent fans wild on Monday (16 November) by stripping off for a steamy shower in the castle’s bathroom. His fellow contestant, Radio 1 DJ Jordan North, had to work the water pump for Kay to have a quick wash.  

Fans have had a humorous reaction to Kay’s shower scene, joking that he reminded them of the Will Ferrell comedy film Elf as he towered over the makeshift shower curtain. 

Then, on Tuesday night’s episode (1 December), Kay undertook the so-called “Cart-Astrophy” trial with Giovanna Fletcher, in which revolting animal slush was hurled into a large funnel placed around his head.

In a recent interview, the presenter revealed the touching reason for joining the 2020 series of I’m A Celebrity, which kicked off on Sunday night (15 November). “I am doing it for my daughters, Phoebe and Amber,” he said.

Read more: Inside the ‘haunted’ castle where I’m a Celebrity is filmed

“It’s a show they watch on a regular basis and they get behind the people in the camp. I think the fact I am involved in it will make it even more fun for them!”

Read more: The latest odds on who will win this series

I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here! airs nightly at 9pm on ITV.